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"Don’t take my power, they feel a way—oh wow." This week’s Women on the Move highlights dynamic women in their 40s from the Chicagoland area—an era of understanding, power, and purpose. It’s the age of knowing who you are and why you do what you do. These outstanding women have spent decades mastering their crafts, building futures, and making an impact that extends far beyond the city. Standing at the forefront of our ancestors’ wildest dreams, they embody perseverance and ambition. They know the climb up corporate and entrepreneurial ladders is steep, but they’re hitting their stride—and inspiring us along the way. We hope their stories move you as much as they’ve moved us.
Robiar Smith: Breaking Barriers in Pest Control & Empowering Women
Robiar Smith is a trailblazing entrepreneur, educator, and industry leader, making history as the founder of RB Pest Solutions—the first Black woman-owned pest control brand. With a mission to redefine pest management, Robiar combines high-quality products, expert services, and education to empower women to take charge of their homes with confidence.
Her passion for the industry is deeply personal, inspired by her father’s 40-year legacy in pest control. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the impact of quality service and education in protecting homes and businesses. This influence fueled her drive to not only build a successful brand but also to create a movement—one that encourages women to take ownership of their home environments while shattering stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Under Robiar’s leadership, RB Pest Solutions has grown into a trusted name, now offering products at Home Depot with plans to expand into Hudson stores in airports nationwide. Her work extends beyond business—she is committed to educating communities, providing practical pest prevention tips, and fostering conversations around home maintenance and empowerment.
"Every woman should feel confident in maintaining her space," says Robiar. "We’re proving that you can safeguard your home while looking fabulous in stilettos!"
With a relentless drive to uplift and inspire, Robiar Smith is not just breaking barriers in pest control—she’s building a legacy of empowerment, education, and excellence.
For more on Robiar Smith and RB Pest Solutions, visit www.rbpestsolutions.com.
Ivy S. Ellis Obichere: A Leader in Housing Equity and Community Development
Ivy S. Ellis Obichere has spent her career ensuring that communities have access to equitable housing and opportunities for stability. Since 2018, she has served as the Executive Director of the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program (NWHEAP), where she leads initiatives that empower homeowners and strengthen neighborhoods.
Her experience in housing and community development is both deep and diverse. Prior to NWHEAP, Ivy worked as the Central Region Business Development Director at HPN Select, where she built strategic partnerships to expand affordable housing efforts. She also played a key role in housing accessibility as an Occupancy Manager, overseeing the conversion of project-based vouchers in a mixed-income senior community in Carol Stream, IL. Earlier in her career, as a Program Coordinator for the Cook County Housing Authority, she focused on homeownership and family self-sufficiency programs, helping families gain financial independence.
Beyond her professional work, Ivy remains deeply engaged in service. She volunteers as a literacy tutor in the Chicagoland area and serves on several nonprofit boards, reinforcing her belief that access to education and economic mobility go hand in hand. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, carrying forward a legacy of leadership and community impact.
Ivy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Spelman College and a Master of Business Administration from Roosevelt University. As a licensed Managing Broker, she continues to advocate for sustainable housing policies and economic empowerment. Through her leadership, she is not only shaping the present landscape of homeownership but also laying the groundwork for stronger, more resilient communities.
Annette Dei: Empowering Women, Building Communities
Annette Dei is a passionate humanitarian, holistic wellness and life coach, speaker, and dedicated Women’s Health Registered Nurse. With a heart for service and a commitment to empowering women, Annette has built a reputation for helping individuals lead lives of impact, influence, and fulfillment.
As the Executive Pastor of Calvary Redemption Center in Skokie, Annette collaborates closely with her husband, the church’s Founder and Senior Pastor, to foster personal growth and community engagement. In celebration of Women’s Month and the 12th anniversary of Calvary Redemption Center, she invites the Chicagoland community to join in a special, free event.
Beyond her pastoral leadership, Annette is an advocate for holistic wellness. She founded Alabaster Care Wellness to promote integrative practices that empower individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals. She also leads Beauties of Eden, a program dedicated to encouraging women to be bold, confident, and ambitious as they shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Her dedication to humanitarian work extends globally through The Shallum Foundation, a nonprofit organization registered in both the USA and Ghana, focused on rebuilding and revitalizing communities through sustainable projects. Annette is also deeply involved in mentoring young girls at Whitney Young High School, reinforcing her passion for guiding the next generation.
Above all, Annette values her roles as a devoted wife and mother of four. She embraces the challenges and joys of family life while continuing to educate, uplift, and inspire those around her.
Ingrid LaVon: Corporate Executive | Author | Entrepreneur
With over 25 years of leadership in executive sales, corporate finance, and management consulting, Ingrid LaVon is a recognized expert in employee engagement, ESG, human capital management, and DEI. She is one of the few Black women in history to serve as a Fortune 100 Corporate Controller, managing up to $1B in revenue by age 38.
Her global corporate work spans Ghana and Tanzania, where she led best practice sharing, communication strategies, and expansion efforts. A Six Sigma-certified strategist, Ingrid has successfully built equitable culture strategies, implemented employee listening initiatives, and driven profitability and customer experience improvements.
During the pandemic, she donated thousands of hours to help small businesses stay afloat. While balancing her corporate career, Ingrid also serves as an advisor to Sunni Gyrl Entertainment, working alongside MC LYTE and Dr. Lynn Richardson to expand their brand reach.
A published author, Ingrid wrote *Living After Divorce – 21 Ways to Heal and Move Forward* (2019) and launched the Decade Planner (2020), a first-of-its-kind lifestyle system for long-term goal tracking. Most recently, she co-founded Geneba Tequila Inc., one of the world’s first tequila brands designed for women, set to launch in 2025.
Ingrid holds a B.S. in Marketing, an MBA in Quantitative Analysis, and an ESG & Sustainability certification from Berkeley Law. She serves as DEI Committee Chair for Finance Executive International, a Commissioner for the Lisle/Woodridge Fire Protection District, and Editor for the West Suburban Chicago Chapter of Jack & Jill of America.
A devoted wife, mother, and caregiver, Ingrid balances career and family with a commitment to community service, mentorship, and mental well-being.
LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/in/ingridlavon](www.linkedin.com/in/ingridlavon)
Samantha Danielle Dockery
Samantha Danielle Dockery is making history as the first African American woman to own a champagne brand in Illinois. As the visionary behind LOVELUVV™, she is redefining the industry while championing a cause close to her heart. Committed to social impact, Samantha donates 10% of all profits and/or products from LOVELUVV™ to programs supporting individuals and families affected by domestic abuse. Through this initiative, she is not only breaking barriers in business but also standing as a powerful advocate for women and survivors.
Her commitment goes beyond philanthropy—Samantha’s work directly funds essential resources such as emergency shelters, counseling services, and legal assistance. She is dedicated to raising awareness, empowering survivors, and addressing the root causes of domestic violence to prevent its recurrence.
Before launching LOVELUVV™, Samantha built a successful career as a wedding planner, guiding couples through one of the most significant celebrations of their lives. It was during an immersive tour of France’s Champagne region that she realized a gap in the market: no sparkling wine was designed specifically for weddings. Determined to change that, she studied the craft from the inside out, earning certification as a Master of Champagne.
With an expert understanding of both weddings and champagne, Samantha created LOVELUVV™—a brand dedicated to celebrating love in all its forms. Her sparkling wines are crafted to appeal to a wide range of palates, available in sets tailored for wedding celebrations, and designed with intuitive features like personalization. More than just a beverage, LOVELUVV™ embodies the journey, ritual, and legacy of love.
Through her pioneering work, Samantha Danielle Dockery is solidifying her legacy as an entrepreneur, advocate, and innovator—proving that business can be a force for both celebration and change.